Grizzly bear activity near Cody

Personnel with the Wyoming Game and Fish have confirmed the presence of a grizzly bear in residential areas just north of Cody. Game and Fish has not previously documented grizzly bears in this area and landowners in the vicinity are urged to remain aware and report sightings or bear activity to the Cody Game and Fish office. Game and Fish staff is actively investigating the situation and is taking action to resolve conflicts.

Large Carnivore Biologist Luke Ellsbury responded to a call Sunday morning reporting that a bear had gotten into garbage at a residence five miles north of Cody. "Tracks at the location confirmed a grizzly bear had been in the area," Ellsbury said. "Yesterday morning, Game and Fish received and verified several additional reports of a bear getting into garbage at residences near the Cottonwood Creek drainage."

"People should be aware that a grizzly bear may be present in residential areas along the Cottonwood Creek drainage north of Cody and take appropriate precautions," Ellsbury said. "For the time being, we are asking property owners to secure attractants such as garbage and livestock feed to reduce the likelihood of the bear being drawn to a specific area. Game and Fish recommends that those in the area travel in groups, carry bear spray, and make noise to alert a bear of your presence." Property owners and residents are asked to report instances of bear activity to the Cody Game and Fish office at 307-527-7125. "As always, we thank the public for their support and appreciate their cooperation during our investigations while we try to resolve any potential issues between bears and humans," Ellsbury said.

–Wyoming Game and Fish

“People should be aware that a grizzly bear may be present in residential areas along the Cottonwood Creek drainage north of Cody and take appropriate precautions.”Luke Ellsbury, large carnivore biologist